…Calls For Collaboration Between AES, ECOWAS For West African Interests
PRESIDENT of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has described the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) as “an irrevocable reality”, this is even as he says Ghana was committed to promoting peaceful relations between AES and the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS).
President Mahama made the call yesterday (Saturday, 8 March 2025) when he paid a 24-hour friendly and working visit to Mali. The visit was marked by a one-on-one interview with the Transitional President, His Excellency Army General Assimi Goita, Head of State of Mali, followed by an extended working session with other members of the respective delegations.
Discussions focused on strengthening trade, including through the operation of the Southern Corridor, which facilitates the transition of goods and goods between Mali and Ghana. President Mahama also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and simplified customs procedures to streamline exchanges.
Another major point of the interview involved cooperation in defence and security. The two Heads of State agreed on the need to balance efforts in the fight against terrorism, which affects the West African sub-region. They stressed the importance of coordination among security forces in tackling this common threat.
On the other hand, the issue of relations between the AES and ECOWAS was discussed. President John Dramani Mahama acknowledged some lack of trust between the leaders of the two sub-regional organisations but stressed the need to restore respectful and constructive dialogue. He affirmed that Ghana, under his presidency, was committed to promoting peaceful relations between the AES and ECOWAS.
“The lack of trust must be corrected so that mutual respect can exist between the leaders of each of these groups in the sub-region. We must work to establish relations worthy of this name between the AES, the Confederation of Sahel States, which is an irrevocable reality, and the ECOWAS. 
“As always, we stand with each other, we are brothers and we are called to live together. That is why, on behalf of Ghana and as President, we pledge to continue our support for the Confederation and to work to strengthen links and relations between the two groups, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and ECOWAS, in our West African Space “, the President of Ghana said.
The two Heads of State also mentioned the reactivation of the Great Joint Cooperation Commission between Mali and Ghana, whose last session dates back to 2011. They agreed to take steps to revive this body to strengthen their partnership in various areas.
The visit thus strengthened ties between Mali and Ghana and opened promising prospects for increased cooperation between the two nations. 
Eighteen-Eleven Media